pope benedict xvi's resignation on monday confirmed his love for the church and its followers. feeling his health was not up to the herculean job of leading one billion catholics worldwide, his holiness made the ultimate sacrifice and determined that abdicating the job was the right move at this time. it is something that has not be done in 600 years, and because of that, this transition will be, in a word, historic. with the changing face of the church, there is speculation the next pope could come from an emerging african nation or perhaps somewhere in latin america. one thing is sure -- in churches from essex to eldersburg, parishioners will have a new holy father by easter, and with it, opportunity to embrace new leadership and vision for the church. as we move through the lenten season with its lessons of sacrifice, we look no farther than pope benedict xvi and the example he will leave for all people of faith -- that service to others begins with selflessness. for more on the life of the pope, log onto wbaltv.com and click on newsnçn